Interview with Shiela Stewart

Welcome, today we are talking with Shiela Stewart! I would like to thank you for taking time out of your busy writing schedule to answer a few questions. First, let’s delve into who you are. Some of the questions may be untraditional but you’d be surprised at what readers connect to, and sometimes the simplest ‘I can relate to that’ grabs their interest where nothing else can.

Can you share a little something about yourself that’s not mentioned in your bio on your website?

I’m a sucker for animals. If I could take in every stray I would. I hate to see animals being abused, neglected and starved. If I see a cat or dog wandering around my neighbors, I’ll put food out for it. Going to the zoo breaks my heart. They should be set free.

I also love playing pranks and scaring people. I’m not mean about it though.

How long have you been writing?

Since my teen years. At that time, I used to write everything on paper. Some of my stories back then were 70,00 to 126,000 words. My hands were very sore. LOL

What have you found most challenging about it?

Promoting. I can sit and create a story from looking at a cracker, but promoting it is hell.

What does writing do for you? Is it fun, cathartic, do you get emotional?

A lot of the time it’s a release. If I’m stressed about stuff I’ll sit and put it to words in my books. It’s also fun. I add a lot of humor to my stories mainly because I tend to write dark stories.

Describe what your writing routine looks like. Are you disciplined with a strict schedule or do you have to be in the mood?

Definity in the mood. I try not writing when I’m in a sad or bad mood. I don’t have a routine. Whenever I get the chance to sit and write is do it.

Did you go into writing thinking that it would be a hobby or a job?

Honestly, when I fist starting writing it was for fun, a hobby. But when my first book was published I thought it would be a job.

What inspires you?

Everything. As I said before about seeing a cracker is true. I can look at a sunset and build a story around it.

Let’s move on and give readers some insight into your personal life. What are your pet peeves?

Right now. People wearing socks and sandals. I latterly cringe.

Who is your hero?

My husband. I know how corny that sounds but it’s true. He has been there with me through thick and thin, ups and downs, good and bad. He is such a smart person it blows my mind. There is very little he can’t do. (Except dishes) lol

Give us one thing on your bucket list.

Going on a honeymoon. Hubby and I have been married for 38 years and have never had a honeymoon. There were times we couldn’t afford food, so trips were never on our mind. Then kids came around, jobs got in the way, and I could go on and on. We are planning a trip for our 40^th though.

What is your favorite hot drink (coffee, tea, etc.)?

Hot Cocoa, with whipped cream. Second is coffee.

What would readers find surprising about you?

I’m a very shy person. When put in a group setting I tend to hide rather than start up  conversation with strangers.

If you could go to heaven, who would you visit?

Right now, is a tough time for me. I lost my mom to Alzheimer’s a year ago today. August 18th so a visit with her would be nice. I never got to say goodbye. I know she’s happy being with my dad.

Just for fun. What is your least favorite:

• Hero type –   Arrogant
• Body part – Feet
• Overused word in a title – I don’t have one because I am guilty of having one in my books.
• Genre –  Paranormal, suspense romance
• Dirty word – F**k ! I use it too much. LOL

Now that our readers know who Shiela Stewart is let’s get down to the business of your book, Secrets of the Dead.

Please tell us a little bit about Secrets of the Dead.

It’s a story of one man who can communicate with the dead, a woman who is a staunch disbeliever and the spirit of a little girl who wants to beset free, but can’t because the spirit of her father won’t allow it. Add n a dose of romance with the two main characters and their steamy encounters.

What was your hardest challenge writing this book?

Research.

What kind of research did you have to do?

I go back to the early 1900’s and I needed to get the décor correct, if electricity was commonly used back then and style of clothing.

What in your opinion makes good chemistry between your leading characters?

Opposites. Cliche, I know.

Any other works in progress?

Right now, I’m, taking the summer off, but I have jotted down a few ideas that I could spin into a story.

Any advice for aspiring authors?

Stick to it! Submitting books to publishers is frustrating. Waiting to hear back is nerve-wracking but keep at it. If one pub doesn’t pick up your book, keep submitting to others.

Final words?

Thank you so much for taking the time to interview me. 😊

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